This weekend (February 28th and March 1st, 2026) is packed with massive festivals and specialized family fun across Tampa! Don't miss the two-day Gasparilla Festival of the Arts downtown, or head out to Plant City for the tail end of the Florida Strawberry Festival. For something unique, check out WizardFest near Odessa!
See our top picks
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
Two full days of free arts and culture downtown for the whole family.
Sunshine Sunday at Glazer Children's Museum
Glazer Children's Museum
A special sensory-friendly session at the indoor children's museum on Sunday morning.
Toddler Storytime at Land O'Lakes Library
Land O'Lakes Library
Free, dedicated story time for children ages 1-2 on Saturday morning.
· February 28
4FREE : The whole family can enjoy two full days of art activities right on the riverfront. It’s a perfect chance to experience a major Tampa cultural event without spending a dime on entry.This is one of Tampa's signature annual art festivals running all weekend.
: Get ready for loud trucks and high-octane action as Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and others tear up the arena. Catch the Saturday night show for a big weekend thrill.A classic high-energy live event perfect for Saturday night entertainment.
BAY AREA RENAISSANCE FEST : Step back into the 16th Century with jousting, musicians, and magicians. It’s a full day of living history fun happening both Saturday and Sunday.A recurring weekend favorite that fits perfectly into the target dates.
: Have a roaring good time at this special Dino Adventure event at the play center. This is a ticketed event, so plan ahead for Saturday morning.A specific, themed event at a play center on Saturday morning.
· March 1
2: Celebrate the strawberry harvest at this classic 11-day community festival. Get your fill of strawberry shortcake, enjoy rides, and check out the contests before the festival ends shortly after this weekend.This is a major regional event, and this is one of its final weekends.
: Catch the beads and enjoy the Mardi Gras-style entertainment and live music at the park. This is one of the final days for this seasonal celebration.It’s a seasonal event wrapping up on Sunday, so it’s a great theme park weekend option.
Also On· anytime this weekend
7: Fans of fantasy will love this immersive experience themed around magic and mystery. Explore the farm grounds transformed into a wizarding world this weekend.A unique, themed limited-run event happening Saturday and Sunday.
: Head down to this family-friendly farm where kids can explore 15 attractions, including a huge tree house, while adults relax. It's a great spot for an afternoon outside on Sunday.Offers outdoor play and attractions specifically geared toward families.
: This special monthly event provides a calmer environment at the Children's Museum for kids with special needs and their caregivers. Perfect for a gentle Sunday morning activity.A dedicated, inclusive program happening Sunday morning.
: This is dedicated jump time just for your little ones aged 6 and under. It’s a great way to burn off some energy before lunch on Saturday.Specific block of time dedicated to toddlers/preschoolers at a major trampoline park.
: Let your little ones (ages 1-3) play with kitchen sensory activities like scooping and pouring. A short, contained activity perfect for Saturday morning.A specific, short-duration sensory/cooking event for very young children happening Saturday.
: This program aligns with pre-K standards and focuses on marine life for children ages 3 to 5. A great way to explore the Aquarium on Sunday morning.Specific, age-gated programming happening Sunday morning at a major attraction.
FREE : Free storytime sessions for toddlers aged 1 to 2 and their caregivers. There are three slots available on Saturday morning to choose from.Free, structured activity specifically for the youngest demographic happening Saturday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Tampa this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28 - Mar 1) offers free admission to the massive Gasparilla Festival of the Arts and the Ybor City Saturday Market. You can also find free storytime at the Land O'Lakes Library on Saturday.
Are there any big weekend festivals happening near Tampa?
Yes! You can attend the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts downtown, the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, or experience the historical reenactments at the Bay Area Renaissance Fest in Dade City.
What is happening Sunday morning for younger kids?
For toddlers (ages 3-5), try The Florida Aquarium AquaTots program, or check out the special sensory-friendly Sunshine Sunday hours at the Glazer Children's Museum.
